LA PAZ, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia has recorded three fatalities and 2,913 confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever in the eastern department of Santa Cruz, health authorities reported Wednesday.
The victims include two men and one woman, aged 83, 56, and 78 respectively, said Carlos Hurtado, head of Epidemiology at the Santa Cruz Departmental Health Service.
He warned that the epidemic curve has not yet peaked and urged the public to remain vigilant. A red alert was issued on Feb. 9 due to the rapid spread of the disease.
The positivity rate currently stands at 65 percent, the highest since the outbreak began, while 55 percent of the confirmed cases are in Santa Cruz de la Sierra municipality, the department's capital, Hurtado said.
Currently, 32 patients are hospitalized, including seven in serious condition, he added.
The red alert, issued by the health authorities shortly after the first death was confirmed, prompted intensified mosquito control, fumigation, and surveillance efforts across 27 affected municipalities.
Chikungunya fever is a viral disease characterized by sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache and fatigue. ■